Raffaele Riefoli, known professionally as RAF, was born on September 29, 1959, in Margherita di Savoia, Italy. He burst onto the international music scene in 1984 with the hit single "Self Control," which topped charts worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States through Laura Branigan's version. His debut album, titled "RAF," was released later that year, featuring other successful singles such as "Change Your Mind" and "Hard."

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RAF's songwriting prowess was highlighted in 1987 when he penned "Si Può Dare Di Più" for the trio Morandi-Ruggeri-Tozzi, winning the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival. That same year, he co-wrote and performed "Gente Di Mare" with Umberto Tozzi, achieving widespread success across Europe.

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His 1988 album "Svegliarsi un Anno Fa" showcased RAF's blend of modern sounds with traditional Italian songwriting, which continued to place him in the Top 10 charts. He remained a fixture at Sanremo, returning in 1989 with "Cosa Resterà Degli Anni Ottanta" from his album of the same name. The song "Ti Pretendo" became the summer hit of 1989, dominating the Festivalbar competition.

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In 1991, RAF hit the charts with "Interminatamente" and impressed at Sanremo with the ballad "Oggi un Dio non ho." His album from that year, "Sogni... È Tutto Quello Che C’è," featured multiple hits, further solidifying his status in the music industry.

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RAF's 1993 album "Cannibali" went six times platinum and included hits like "Il Battito Animale" and "Stai Con Me," while addressing contemporary social issues. In 1995, he innovated with the album "Manifesto," which included a free CD-ROM, "Interagendo," a pioneering move in the music industry.

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Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, RAF continued to evolve musically and remained highly popular. His albums "La Prova" and "Iperbole" showcased his adaptability and appeal, with hits consistently topping the charts. His engagement with cultural and charitable efforts was highlighted in 2003 when he became a spokesperson for Legambiente and initiated projects like bringing water to school gardens in Ecuador.

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RAF remained active in the new millennium, releasing several albums, including "Numeri" in 2011, which saw significant commercial success and was followed by a successful tour. He ventured into multimedia in 2012, lending his voice to the character Francoeur in the animated film "Un Mostro A Parigi."

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By 2015, RAF was still making waves in the Italian music scene, returning to the Sanremo Festival with "Come Una Favola" and releasing the album "Sono Io." His continuing influence and longevity in the music industry were celebrated with a joint tour with Umberto Tozzi in 2018, culminating in a special performance at the Arena di Verona.

RAF's career is marked by his adaptability, innovation, and a deep connection to both the roots and the cutting edge of Italian music. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of music, particularly within the Italian and European contexts.